In July, Mitch Hyatt stood calmly at a podium in Charlotte during the Atlantic Coast Conference Football Kickoff media event, and nearly everyone in attendance wondered why Hyatt was in attendance.

There was no question why Clemson coach Dabo Swinney would select Hyatt as one of the two players to represent the team at the preseason rouser. Hyatt started all 43 games through the previous three seasons at left tackle, the primary protector for Clemson’s quarterback. He earned All-American honors and notched 100 knockdown blocks.

Swinney’s choice was not questioned. Hyatt’s choice was.

Why was he still available to represent Clemson? Why was he not in the National Football League?

Other Clemson offensive linemen to watch

Graduate center Justin Falcinelli also has operated in obscurity this season, an indication of how steady he has been snapping the football. Falcinelli switched smoothly between cadences as quarterbacks Kelly Bryant and Trevor Lawrence swapped series through the first four games, and later when Chase Brice relieved Lawrence.

Junior guard John Simpson has logged 730 snaps, the second-highest total on the team behind Hyatt (739). Junior right tackle Tremayne Anchrum has logged 672 snaps.

Junior Gage Cervenka is Clemson’s versatile cog. He has filled in for Falcinelli at center and started at right guard in place of Sean Pollard.